When Slim of the legendary group 112 first heard himself on the radio, he couldn’t have imagined the cultural ripple effect it would spark. The group’s debut in the mid-’90s wasn’t was the arrival of a culture shock. With a sound that blended smooth vocals, hip-hop swag, and timeless storytelling, Slim and 112 became icons of what many now call the golden era of R&B.
“We were blessed to have like one of the most greatest debuts from a group,” Slim said to WBLS. “From there, we never looked back.”
That State of R&B Through Slim’s Eyes
But in today’s music climate, where genre lines blur and trends come and go in viral clips, some question whether R&B even has a place. Critics have lamented the genre’s decline for over a decade, declaring R&B “dead” in think pieces and tweets. Others, including Slim, see it differently.
“Well, actually, after listening to a lot of the new artists, I’m kind of encouraged about what’s going on,” Slim said confidently. “Kudos to the young women, the young queens in R&B that are really putting it down. From the SZAs, to Ella Mai, to Summer Walker, to H.E.R. And on the men’s side, I love the Kevin Rosses and the Giveons. They’re getting back to the actual feel.”
For Slim, it’s all about sincerity and soul, something he’s still putting into his own work. His latest single, Somebody to Love, is both a nod to R&B’s past and a message for today’s generation.
“Everybody knows when you’re young, you make a lot of mistakes. Now, I’m what you call seasoned,” he explained. “So when you put out a record, everything has an underlying solution to it. Even if I’m talking about something that might be a little tender, I always come with a solution.”
With Somebody to Love, Slim is returning to that timeless R&B essence of storytelling, vulnerability, and emotional truth. He wants listeners to feel good but also feel seen.
“You’re gonna find yourself singing in the shower loud,” Slim said, grinning. “Remember that one song from back in the ’90s, you just sang it with everything in you? That’s what I’m bringing back.”
And that storytelling, that real talk, has always been at the heart of 112’s music. His upcoming project may even be titled For What It’s Worth, capturing the raw honesty and perspective that comes with time.
The Beginnings of 112 and Their Enduring Legacy
But Slim isn’t just about the future. He’s also deeply proud of his past. As a central figure in one of the most influential R&B groups of the ’90s, he experienced firsthand the synergy between R&B and hip-hop that defined the era.
“When we came up, you started seeing genres of music fusing. Hip-hop and R&B started really fusing,” he explained. “112, we embraced that. That’s where we say we’re gonna hang our hats and let the chips fall where they may.”
That musical fusion made 112 staples on both R&B charts and rap collaborations, and it’s part of what made their impact so long-lasting. From “Only You” to “Peaches and Cream,” their hits became the soundtrack for countless lives.
While some may believe the group is only familiar to an older audience, TikTok and other social media platforms have been exposing a new generation to their music, and for 112, they embrace that development.
“Thank God for social media,” Slim remarked. “Shoot, Google came out in ’98. Our first debut album came out in ’96. So as time progressed, we adapted to what was happening. As social media started getting more at the forefront of how music is heard, we felt grateful that platforms such as TikTok still keep us relevant.”
The continuation of 112’s legacy in newer generations helps their music live on. For Slim, it’s a legacy rooted in brotherhood and purpose.
“Despite any type of situation, we made a goal and we reached it,” he said proudly. “Coming from humble beginnings on Cleveland Avenue… nobody taught us. So being spiritual—it wasn’t a coincidence. God had purpose.”
And that purpose? It’s still unfolding. Because in 2026, 112 is hitting the road once more.
“The tour is coming,” Slim confirmed. “It’s gonna be something special for the fans, especially those who’ve been rocking with us since the beginning and the new ones who just found us on TikTok.”
From ATL talent shows to arena tours and viral dance challenges, Slim’s journey embodies the enduring soul of R&B. Whether through classic hits or new anthems, one thing is clear that the music and the message live on.